TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED TO SATISFY THIS MAJOR

This non-accredited major is designed to provide a broad education for students interested in psychology. It will introduce students to the core areas of psychology, and with the opportunity to study some areas in greater depth. As a major in a general degree, students are able to tailor their undergraduate studies in psychology around their other interests as well—whether they be in Science, Arts, or Business, thus maintaining flexibility and broad options. In this major students will undertake the two introductory psychology units in their first year, select two units from a choice of six more advanced units in their second year, and in their third year they will take the capstone unit and choose three advanced psychology units from a wide range of electives. For students seeking an accredited psychology degree, they can transfer from this major to the Bachelor of Arts -Psychology or the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) upon meeting the entry requirements.

Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Interpersonal or social capabilities(C) effective communication(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:

1. demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in the core topics of psychology (K, T)
2. understand, apply, conduct, and evaluate the research methods used in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation and the appropriate use of technologies by which to do this.
3. use the concepts, language, major theories, and perspectives of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena.
4. identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
5. demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking and independent learning to solve problems related to a range of issues, including behaviour and mental processes
6. communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
7. engage in a critical review of appropriate and relevant information regarding psychological processes and demonstrate analytical research skills in evaluating psychological literature
8. Recognise and evaluate arguments and other persuasive appeals and approaches to problems
9. identify how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy and apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life
10. develop insight into your own and others’ behaviour and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement
11. articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy
12. examine the sociocultural and international contexts that influence individual differences
13. demonstrate a capacity for responsibility and accountability with regard to their own learning.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Psychology is a broad discipline, and the range of units offered in this program reflects that breadth. Over the three years of the program students will be exposed to all the major areas of psychological study, from the most fundamental brain research through to social issues such as the causes of intergroup conflict. The learning and teaching methods employed throughout the program also reflect this breadth, from laboratory-based practical work through to sophisticated, reflective field-work, as represented in our 3rd-year Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) unit. The overarching pedagogical approach throughout the program is student-centred learning, with an emphasis, not simply on the acquisition of discipline knowledge, but also on the development of higher-order critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to a range of psychological processes and issues. Although units differ with respect to formal or recorded lecture offerings, there is a focus in every unit on small-group learning through laboratory practicals and/or tutorial exercises and discussions. Students are also encouraged to engage with iLearn discussions of lecture and tutorial material, and to test the development of their own understanding via online tests and quizzes. First-year psychology students are also required to participate in Departmental research projects in order to learn how research is conducted and to encourage interaction with more senior scholars in the field.

Assessment

There is a range of assessment methods used throughout the Psychology program, each of which has been designed to measure the extent to which students can demonstrate their acquisition of the program learning outcomes. Assessment is both formative and summative, with students being presented with multiple opportunities throughout the program to improve their critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication skills, while also demonstrating their acquisition of important discipline knowledge. Across the three years of the program, assessment methods will usually include:
• web-based quizzes
• research reports
• class presentations
• essays
• literature reviews
• multiple-choice tests and exams
• essay and short-answer-based exams
• designing experiments
• research participation (compulsory at 1st year)
• conducting individual and group-based research projects
• placement and reflective project report (PACE unit).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability

The major in psychological science can lead to employment in the fields of human resources, health-related services, marketing, advertising, education and research.

Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.